Sulawesi Research Articles

Impact of Indonesia's Forest Management Units on the reduction of forest loss and forest fires in Sulawesi

The establishment of Forest Management Units (Kesatuan Pengelolaan Hutan/ KPH) represents one of Indonesia's most significant forest governance reforms, covering the 120 million hectares of designated Forest Areas. Sharing features with the Landscape Approach, KPHs are expected to reduce deforestation and forest degradation through improved forest planning, oversight, open access avoidance, and fire prevention and response. This paper assesses the impact of KPHs on the reduction of forest loss, including forest loss due to fire, and the factors that influence this impact (e.g. KPH's primary objective, deforestation risk). We use remotely sensed data to estimate difference-in-differences models accounting for differences in baseline characteristics and multiple time periods. Our case study, Sulawesi Island, is primarily shaped by smallholder farmer land use, where KPHs can exert significant influence. We do not find evidence of an overall effect of KPHs on deforestation. However, we observe intriguing heterogeneous effects depending on the year, including significantly less deforestation in already-established KPHs during the El Niño years of 2015–16, and a notable impact on the reduction of forest loss due to fire in some early-established KPHs. These findings warrant further investigation.

Sulawesi stream fish communities depend on connectivity and habitat diversity.

Streams provide an array of habitat niches that may act as environmental filters for fish communities. The tropical island of Sulawesi in Indonesia is located in the Wallacea, a region isolated by marine barriers from the Asian and Australian faunas. Primary freshwater fishes are naturally absent in the Wallacea, including Sulawesi's numerous coastal streams. Diadromous species are in contrast species-rich in the area. The knowledge available on stream fishes in the Wallacea is largely restricted to taxonomic work and studies targeting single species groups, whereas baseline data on fish ecology remain extremely scarce. Such data and a deeper understanding of stream fish ecology are, however, urgently required for purposes such as informed management. We assumed that the stream fish assemblages are dominated by recruitment from the sea and are structured by macro- and microhabitat diversity. To test this hypothesis, we quantified the occurrence of individual fishes by point abundance electrofishing at 33 streams across Sulawesi. The 4632 fishes obtained represent 58 species out of 24 families. The native fishes recorded are mainly amphidromous (34 species), euryhaline (five species), and catadromous (five species). Gobiiformes make up the vast majority of records, dominated by Oxudercidae (22 species) and Eleotridae (five species). Only two of the species recorded are endemic to Sulawesi, including a single species strictly confined to freshwaters. Ten species, making up 6% of the fishes caught, are not native to Sulawesi. The outlying mean index (OMI) and BIOENV analyses suggest that effects on the scale of macro- and microhabitat shape fish assemblage composition, ranging from pH, conductivity, and temperature to current velocity, substrate, canopy cover, and elevation. Habitat niche use of species along the first two OMI axes is complementary and fine-scaled, covering a wide range of the available habitat space. Juvenile and adult conspecifics share similar habitat niches in most of the cases. Niche breadths overlap, but niche specialization is significant in most of the species. Non-native fishes link into the assemblages at the margins of habitat space, with substantial niche overlaps to native species. The present findings show that the native fish communities in coastal streams of Sulawesi are largely composed of species depending on access to the sea, highlighting the importance of connectivity down to the estuaries and sea. The ichthyofauna shows a rich diversity in habitat use, and the availability of alternative habitats along the altitudinal gradient provides plausible filters for species establishment. Non-native fishes are locally abundant, pose substantial potential for changing communities, but are still stocked intentionally. We stress the need for incorporating the need for connectivity and maintained habitat quality into management decisions, and a critical evaluation of stocking activities.

Genetic Identification of Endemic Fish Nomorhamphus liemi Vogt, 1978 from Sigi, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia

Sulawesi Island is geographically included in the Wallacea region, a transitional area between the Oriental and Australian zones, which makes Sulawesi’s fresh waters have a high level of fish species diversity. Some fish species found in Sulawesi freshwater are endemic. Research on Sulawesi endemic fishes in rivers is not as much as research on endemic fishes in lakes. Nomorhamphus liemi or locally known as angculung is one of Sulawesi’s endemic fishes. This species belongs to the sub-family Zenarchopterinae. The majority of species from the Zenarchopterinae sub-family are sexually dimorphic. This study aimed to molecularly identify angculung fish species using COI markers in the region. A total of nine angculung fish were collected and preserved using 96% alcohol. In the laboratory, tissue taken from the back of the dorsal fin was isolated and extracted, then amplified by PCR before sequencing. Sequencing results were validated on BLASTn, showing that nine samples belonged to Nomorhamphus liemi with 98-99% sequence similarity. The nucleotide base sequences were then analyzed using MEGA 7.0 software. The genetic distance of mackerel in these waters showed a close relationship. Phylogeny tree results showed population mixing so that mackerel in these waters can be managed in one management unit, especially in Sulawesi.

ANALYSIS Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) AND Maimum Sustainable Yield (MSY) MALE MACKEREL (Rastrelliger kanagurta) FLYING IN THE SAMUDERA FISHING LAND (PPS) KENDARI

The Banda Sea is an Indonesian water body that holds potential for small pelagic fisheries resources. Situated between Sulawesi Island and Maluku, it is part of the Fisheries Management Area Of The Republic Of Indonesia (WPP-NRI 714), Male mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta) is one of the fish species with high economic value, greatly favored by the community for consumption. This has led to an increase in its capture rates. Therefore, the research aims to determine the CPUE and MSY of Indian mackerel in the Kendari Ocean Fisheries Port. Data collection was conducted at the Kendari Ocean Fisheries Port from logbooks, and the research lasted from November to December 2023. The results showed that the standard fishing gear used to catch these fish is purse seine. The status of the utilization of the fishery resources is said to be experiencing underfishing. Based on the research results, the maximum sustainable yield (MSY) is 96,386 kg/year, with an optimal fishing effort of 2,300 trips/year (Fox model).

Mapping the habitat distribution of horseshoe crabs (Tachypleus gigas) in Pamekasan, Madura Island, Indonesia

Abstract Horseshoe crabs, often known as Belangkas or Mimi, is one of the ancient marine faunas with protected conservation status. Horseshoe crabs are distributed in coastal waters of Indonesia of the islands of Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan, and Sulawesi, which are often caught as bycatch. Horseshoe crabs’s bloods were uniquewhich contain amebocytes as a test material for the presence of endotoxin bacteria. The purpose of this study was to identify the species of horseshoe crabs and to analyze environmental conditions, as well as the distribution of horseshoe crabs in the coastal waters of Pamekasan, Madura Island. This study was conducted in June 2023 by collecting data from crab fishers. ArcGIS was applied to delineate the distribution of horseshoe crab. The identification results showed that there was one species horseshoe crab of the Tachypleus gigas in the waters of Polagan Village, Galis District, Pamekasan Regency. The environmental condition of the waters in Polagan Village, Galis District, and Pamekasan Regency was relatively good. Habitat mapping is one way to protect these animals from the threat of extinction and support conservation efforts.

A meta-analysis of livestock brucellosis prevalence in Indonesia.

Indonesia has a long history of livestock brucellosis, but the overall pooled prevalence remains unclear. This study aims to determine the pooled estimated prevalence of livestock brucellosis in Indonesia using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Five databases were searched and screened using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data from included studies were extracted and analyzed using a random effects model in R 4.3.0 for pooled estimated prevalence, subgroup meta-analysis, and meta-regression. Publication bias and sensitivity tests were conducted using Egger's test, funnel plot, trim and fill plot, and leave-one-out. The screening process identified 46 included studies, representing 47,057 samples for brucellosis testing. The pooled estimated prevalence for livestock brucellosis was 3.25% (95% CI, 1.81%-5.78%) with high heterogeneity (Q = 2130.91, p = 0, I2=98%). Subgroup meta-analysis indicated no significant difference in the prevalence of livestock brucellosis across the main islands in Indonesia (p = 0.44) and across provinces in Sulawesi Island (p = 0.83), but significant differences were found among provinces in Java (p < 0.01). The subgroup meta-analysis based on animal type showed no significant difference between cattle, small ruminants, and pig brucellosis estimated prevalence (p = 0.26). Between serological tests, no significant difference was found (p = 0.77). Meta-regression showed no significant difference in brucellosis prevalence from 1988-2023. Egger's test and funnel plot showed publication bias. Trim and fill test indicated 21 studies should be added. As most studies were conducted in Java and Sulawesi Islands, caution should be exercised in interpreting the results, emphasizing the necessity of increasing the study of brucellosis in other regions.

Mapping Asia Plants: Plant Diversity and a Checklist of Vascular Plants in Indonesia.

Indonesia, located in Southeast Asia, is the world's largest tropical island country. It is globally recognized as a unique center of biodiversity in the Asian-Australian transitional zone. To date, however, no national plant checklist of Indonesia has been published. Here, we collected botanical information on the flora of Indonesia and presented for the first time a checklist of known native species of vascular plants in the country. Our checklist included 30,466 species belonging to 2968 genera and 317 families, representing 8.7% of the 351,180 vascular plant species worldwide. Among the seven regions, Sumatra had the highest number of species at 10,902, followed by Indonesian New Guinea (9935), Java (9289), Kalimantan (9191), Sulawesi (7048), Maluku (5294), and Lesser Sunda Islands (4514). In contrast, Indonesian New Guinea had a much higher proportion of locally endemic species than other regions (59%). The seven regions were divided into three phytogeographical areas: the Sunda Shelf, the Sahul Shelf, and the Wallacea, based on similarities in floristic composition. Our checklist for Indonesia provides basic information for biodiversity conservation and associated research.

Beach Cleaning Action Movement as an Effort to Create Environmentally Friendly Tourism on Kapu Beach, Kolaka Regency

Kolaka is one of the districts in Southeast Sulawesi. Kolaka Regency is a coastal area located in Southeast Sulawesi Province. Kolaka is like a hidden paradise on the west coast of Sulawesi Island. As a large area that borders the sea, namely Bone Bay to the west. Kolaka Regency has a coastline that stretches for 293.45 km, decorated with white sandy beaches, clear sea water. One potential that is worth paying attention to as a tourist destination is Kapu Beach, which is located in Kapu Village, Samaturu District, Kolaka Regency. However, currently, Kapu Beach is polluted with lots of plastic and organic waste scattered around and reducing the beauty of the beach. The method used in this activity is the observation method. The first stage that was carried out began with coordination with the local government and the management of Kapu Beach. The second stage, namely checking the condition of the tourist beaches that would be cleaned, as well as preparing paint for re-tightening the trees and aesthetic photo spots. The third stage, This stage carries out the process of cleaning the beach tourism environment and painting several photo spots. What is meant by the observation method is a way of collecting information from relevant data by observing. The result of this activity for the surrounding community is to build self-awareness for the community to care about the beach and coastal environment and also be aware of the dangers of environmental pollution, considering that the location where they live is on the coast of Kapu Village. Based on the results of the service carried out, the conclusion that can be drawn from the beach clean-up activity is that it was held smoothly and in accordance with the previously planned activity structure, and cleaning up rubbish at the tourist attraction was not easy, the large number of visitors not only had a positive impact on tourist attractions but there There is also a negative impact, namely, where a lot of plastic waste is found both around the gazebo and even on the coast, there is also a lot of waste used from visitors' food. It is important to maintain the cleanliness of the beach tourism environment so that it can be managed well and optimally.

Gravity field and crustal structure of the Eastern Arm of Sulawesi and the Banggai Archipelago, Eastern Indonesia

The occurrence of extensive ophiolite masses and the development of the Batui-Balantak foreland thrust-fold belt on the Eastern Arm of Sulawesi can be attributed to the geologic process in the Neogene period when the Sulawesi Island Arc and the Banggai-Sula collided. Following the convergence, crustal fragments were further adjusted on a regional scale. This adjustment involved the rotation of crustal fragments into strike-slip faults on Sulawesi Island and the formation of extensional faults in the Banggai Archipelago. The analyses of the gravity field in the region of the eastern Sulawesi and Banggai Archipelago have yielded models that can potentially be interpreted as a representation of the underlying crustal structure in the region. The models can also be understood in a way that has consequences for tectonics. The tectonic episodes have played a significant role in the formation and development of sedimentary basins within the region. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the crustal structures of the Eastern Arm of Sulawesi and the Banggai Archipelago by means of analyzing gravity profiles. The findings of the analysis suggest that there is a slight thickening observed in the crustal block beneath the central portion of the eastern arm region. In addition, this area exhibits significant fracturing and severe attenuation. Furthermore, the crustal block has a dipped north-eastward trend in response to the ascent of the Molucca Sea oceanic crust.

Narrative cave art in Indonesia by 51,200 years ago.

Previous dating research indicated that the Indonesian island of Sulawesi is host to some of the oldest known rock art1-3. That work was based on solution uranium-series (U-series) analysis of calcite deposits overlying rock art in the limestone caves of Maros-Pangkep, South Sulawesi1-3. Here we use a novelapplication of this approach-laser-ablation U-series imaging-to re-date some of the earliest cave art in this karst area and to determine the age of stylistically similar motifs at other Maros-Pangkep sites. This method provides enhanced spatial accuracy, resulting in older minimum ages for previously dated art. We show that a hunting scene from Leang Bulu' Sipong 4, which was originally dated using the previous approach to a minimum of 43,900 thousand years ago (ka)3, has a minimum age of50.2 ± 2.2 ka, and so is at least 4,040 years older than thought. Using the imaging approach, we also assign a minimum age of 53.5 ± 2.3 ka to a newly described cave art scene at Leang Karampuang. Painted at least 51,200 years ago, this narrative composition, which depicts human-like figures interacting with a pig, is now the earliest known surviving example of representational art, and visual storytelling, in the world3. Our findings show that figurative portrayals of anthropomorphic figures and animals have a deeper origin in the history of modern human (Homo sapiens) image-making than recognized to date, as does their representation in composed scenes.

Groundwater quality assessment in different volcanic rocks using water quality index in the tropical area, Indonesia

Groundwater is the main water source that is most widely used in the world, one of which is in Indonesia. One of the uses of groundwater is for consumption needs. Therefore, the groundwater used should have good water quality. For this reason, this study aimed to determine groundwater quality in Indonesia during the dry season and make recommendations for groundwater management policies. A total of 211 groundwater samples taken from springs, drilled wells, and dug wells spread across volcanic areas on the islands of Sumatra, Java, Bali, and Sulawesi were collected to test their quality in this research. The method used in this research consisted of 4 analyses: WHO threshold analysis, Piper Diagram, Water Quality Index (WQI), and statistical correlation and regression. Based on the analysis, it was discovered that 47 K+ samples, 1 Na+ sample, 5 Ca2+ samples, 1 Cl- sample, 115 HCO3- samples, 3 TDS samples, and 3 pH samples exceeded WHO standards. The results of the Piper triangle diagram analysis showed that the majority of groundwater in Indonesia falls into the Unpolluted Groundwater classification (categories D and G), and the results of the WQI analysis also showed that 98% of the groundwater in Indonesia analyzed falls into the excellent and good water categories. The results of statistical analysis of the parameters K+, Na+, Mg2+, Ca2+, SO42-, Cl-, HCO3-, TDS, and pH showed that all these parameters are strongly and positively correlated with the WQI value.

Using Soil Magnetic Susceptibility Proxies to Estimate Overburden Thickness Overlying Ore of Lateritic Soils in Sulawesi Island Indonesia

Sulawesi Island is one of the largest Ni ore producers in Indonesia. It is also expected to be a significant potential source of some critical metals (e.g., Co, Sc, rare-earth elements, and platinum-group elements). However, few studies show the post-mining impact on some heavy metal elements concentrated in this area. Therefore, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of soil organization and its effect on soil reclamation after mining is helpful. This study aimed to determine the accuracy in estimating the thickness of the overburden covering the nickel ore body profile from lateritic nickel post-mining areas by magnetic susceptibility measurements to discrepancy the overall laterite horizon, whereas χLF and χFD are used to distinguish the overburden zona and limonite and saprolite zone. The lateritic profile studied consists of soil formation of Fe-rich material in the Morowali, and Pomalaa block. We also evaluated the chemical element content of the soil and understood the relationship between the magnetic and geochemical properties of the soil. This study reveals the superparamagnetic (SP)-enriched soils indicated with the increase of the FD% values into the upward horizon, where the maximum values of FD are generally found at ranges 1 to 4m, indicating the overburden layers. Meanwhile, in the depth of 4m to 6m, the values of FD vary only slightly in the lower part initiated by the limonite layers, and then &gt; 6m decreases sharply to the bottom, indicating the saprolite layers. The chemical element mobility trends indicate that Fe, Co, Cr, Mn, and Ti increase toward the layers, which is the same pattern as in FD. Due to this, parameters magnetics may also be a new geophysical approach for estimating the distribution of economically valued minerals on lateritic soils. The strong correlation of Co with Fe, Mn, and Cr in all layers indicates the influence of weathering o n these ultramafic rocks. This suggests an increasing trend toward prolonged pedogenesis.

Evaluation of the bioactive composition of cocoa pod husk from Sulawesi Island, Indonesia, for health benefits [pdf

Evaluation of the bioactive composition of cocoa pod husk from Sulawesi Island, Indonesia, for health benefits [pdf

Nickel enrichment during lateritization of ophiolitic ultramafic rocks: A case study from the Kelurahan Pondidrha laterite profile in Sulawesi, Indonesia

The Southeast Asia is one of the most important producers of Ni-laterite deposits in the world, attracting more and more attentions in recent years. However, the lateritization processes as well as the enrichment mechanisms of Ni have not been well constrained. Recently, a Ni-rich laterite profile (KPP) was newly found in the Kelurahan Pondidrha area, Sulawesi island, Indonesia. To better understand the lateritization and Ni enrichment mechanisms, in this study, detailed mineralogical and geochemical analyses were conducted on the KPP. The KPP can be divided into bedrock, saprolitic and lateritic layers from bottom to top. The bedrock is serpentinized harzburgite mainly composed of olivine, serpentine and pyroxene, while the saprolitic layer mainly consists of Fe oxides, olivine, serpentine and pyroxene, and the lateritic layer is dominated by quartz and Fe oxy-hydroxides. Nickel is mainly hosted by serpentine in the bedrock and saprolitic layers, but by oxy-hydroxides in the lateritic layer. From the bedrock to the lateritic layer, whole-rock MgO and CaO contents decrease continuously while TFe2O3 contents increase, with TiO2/Al2O3, Zr/Hf and Pd/Pt ratios keeping stable. Combined with whole-rock pH value deceasing from the bedrock to the weathering products, the above results indicate the decomposition of silicate minerals and the formation of Fe oxides/oxy-hydroxides through hydrolysis during in-situ weathering. This led to the release of Ni and its adsorption by secondary minerals (e.g., Fe oxy-hydroxides in the lateritic layer and serpentine in the saprolitic layer). Nickel shows the highest contents in the saprolitic layer rather than the more weathered lateritic layer, indicating the decoupling between the lateritization and the Ni enrichment degrees. This could be due to the enhanced leaching of Ni from the surface under the tropical rainforest climate and the secondary adsorption in the deeper levels. These Ni enrichment features are commonly observed in the Mg-silicate type laterites, which are distinct from the oxide-type showing highest Ni enrichment in the lateritic layer, indicating that lithology played a critical role in controlling the lateritization and Ni enrichment.

Effect Of Investment, Unemployment And Human Development Index Against Income Inequality (Comparative Study Of Java Island, Sumatra And Sulawesi Island)

This study aims to analyze the effect of Investment, Unemployment and Human Development Index on Income Inequality (Comparative Study of Sumatra, Java and Sulawesi Islands). The data used is panel data (time series &amp; cross section) from 2010 to 2023 consisting of every province on the island of Sumatra, Java and Sulawesi. Data is sourced from the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) and the Investment Coordinating Board, Ministry of Investment of the Republic of Indonesia. The data was analyzed by path analysis method (Sobel Test) using Eviews12 software. The results of the analysis show that partially Investment and Human Development Index have a significant direct influence on Income Inequality through GRDP in Sulawesi Island, while Unemployment indirectly has no significant effect. In contrast to Sumatra and Java, both show that Investment, Unemployment and Human Development Index do not have a significant indirect effect on Income Inequality through GRDP. However, simultaneously all these independent variables have a significant direct influence on income inequality in Sumatra, Java and Sulawesi island.

Conservation status assessments of species-rich tropical taxa in the face of data availability limitations: insights from Sulawesi Begonia

Species conservation assessments using the criteria outlined by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature Red List can be compromised by limited data availability. Species-rich tropical plant taxa with numerous microendemics are particularly problematic. This study focusses on the Begonia flora of the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, comprised of 65 herbaceous species mainly found in rainforest habitats. Sixty-two species are Sulawesi endemics, including 20 species restricted to limestone karst landscapes. Forty-eight species are represented by fewer than 10 herbarium collections. Here, we outline and discuss an approach that, despite these data limitations, allows meaningful conservation assessments by integrating analyses of occurrences, data primarily based on remote sensing approaches, including forest landscape integrity, forest cover loss, and land cover, and extent of suitable habitat estimation. The results indicate that most Sulawesi Begonia species are narrow endemics whose rainforest habitats have substantially deteriorated in the last two decades: 27 species are assessed as Critically Endangered, 24 as Endangered, six as Vulnerable, five as Least Concern, and three species are Data Deficient. Conservation action, including extension of the protected area network in Sulawesi with emphasis on areas of old-growth forest and limestone karst landscapes, and strengthening of ex-situ living collections, is recommended.

Taxonomic study on selected species of stingless bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Meliponini) in Sulawesi Island, Indonesia

Abstract. Trianto M, Arisuryanti T, Purwanto H, Ubaidillah R. 2024. Taxonomic study on selected species of stingless bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Meliponini) in Sulawesi Island, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 2290-2306. Stingless bees are strong candidates as alternative crop pollinators. They are found throughout the tropics, with the exception of the Pacific islands. There are three tropical regions in the world, namely the tropical Americas (Neotropic), Sub-Saharan Africa (Afrotropic), and Indoaustralian (Austroasiatic) region. In this research, we explored the morphological and morphometric characteristics of stingless bees in Sulawesi Island, Indonesia. The genera and species identification of stingless bees were based on morphological characters and coloration, such as the structure and color of the antenna, head, thorax, wing, leg and abdomen. Morphological and morphometric identification of 10 species of stingless bees consisting of five genera, namely the genera Heterotrigona, Homotrigona, Lepidotrigona, Tetragonula, and Wallacetrigona. The genus Tetragonula consists of six small species (&lt;4 mm), namely T. biroi, T. clypearis, T. fuscobalteata, T. laeviceps, T. pagdeni, and T. sapiens. The genera Heterotrigona, Homotrigona, Lepidotrigona, and Wallacetrigona are a group of large stingless bees (&gt;4 mm), each consisting of one species, namely H. itama, H. canifrons, L. terminata, and W. incisa. H. itama and H. canifrons are new records on Sulawesi Island. These species are found in Lore Lindu National Park (TNLL). Until 2023, these species were only found in Java, Kalimantan and Sumatra. This research can be used as a guide in the identification and validation of stingless bee species on Sulawesi Island.

Determinants of Long-Term Contraceptive Method among Reproductive-Aged Women in Sulawesi Island (Data Analysis of IDHS 2017)

Introduction: Long-Term Contraceptive Methods are contraceptive methods that, once used, last for a long period, ranging from 3 years to a lifetime. LTCMs are considered highly effective compared to non-LTCMs, with a success rate above 95%. Overall, the coverage of LTCM usage in Indonesia remains low despite a noticeable increasing trend of 10.6% in 2012 and 13.2% in 2017. This coverage is far below the global average in SDGs in 2030, which was 35%, and the targets outlined in the BKKBN Strategic Plan for 2020 (25.11%) and 2024 (28.39%). Objective: The aim of this research is to identify the determinants of LTCM usage among women of reproductive age and to determine predominant the factors most associated with LTCM usage on the island of Sulawesi. Method: This cross-sectional study aims to identify the determinants of LTCM usage among reproductive-aged women in Sulawesi Island based on secondary data from the 2017 Indonesia Demographic and Health Survey (IDHS). The population in this study consists of all reproductive-aged women (15-49 years old) who are married and using contraception in the provinces of Southeast Sulawesi, South Sulawesi, West Sulawesi, Central Sulawesi, and North Sulawesi. The data utilized a survey with a complex sample design, and this taken into account during the analysis using weighting. The data analysis employed cox regression to estimate the prevalence ratio. Result: Out of 2,703 respondents, 519 (22.5%) were using LTCMs. Statistical tests indicated associations between predisposing factors such as age, education, occupation, knowledge about family planning (FP), number of children, and economic status, reinforcing factors like decision-making autonomy regarding FP, and supportive factors such as access to FP services and FP information media with LTCM usage among reproductive-aged women in Sulawesi Island. The most influential supportive factor was access to FP services in the government sector, with a 30.1% influence, having a 2.2 times higher likelihood of LTCM usage with a p-value of 0.001 and 95% CI 1.79 - 2.88. Conclusion: There is a relationship between predisposing factors such as age, education, occupation, knowledge about family planning (FP), number of children, and economic status, reinforcing factors influencing decision-making regarding family planning, and supportive factors of family planning service sources and media information on family planning, with the use of long-term contraceptive methods (LTCM) among women of reproductive age in Sulawesi Island. The most dominant factor associated is the supportive factor of family planning service sources in the government sector.

Identification of Bacteria Associated in the Small Intestine of White-Tailed Forest Rat (Maxomys hellwandii) in South Minahasa Regency, North Sulawesi

Sulawesi Island in the Wallaceae line area has diverse endemic animals, including the white-tailed forest rats. White-tailed forest rat (Maxomys hellwandii) is one of the endemic animals in North Sulawesi, so this study aimed to determine the type of bacterial genus in the small intestine of Maxomys hellwandii. This research used a laboratory-based qualitative descriptive method using a pour plate isolation method and bacterial identification based on morphological, and physiological characters with biochemical tests. The small intestines of Maxomys hellwandii taken from the South Minahasa forest area, North Sulawesi were used as samples of this research. The results of the study obtained 22 isolates of bacteria that were successfully isolated and have been identified based on morphological characteristics, and physiology with biochemical tests based on the book Bergey's Manual of Systematic Bacteriology suspected 14 isolates as genus Bacillus and 8 isolates as genus Lactobacillus.

A NEW SPECIES OF AERIDES (AERIDINAE: ORCHIDACEAE) FROM SULAWESI, INDONESIA

A new species of Aerides from Sulawesi Island, Indonesia, is described and illustrated. This new species is placed in Aerides sect. Falcata and is, so far, the only member of this section recorded from Indonesia. The species is endemic to the northern part of Sulawesi Island.